Does Anxiety Run in the Family?

Is anxiety genetic? It is normal to feel anxious every once in a while. You can feel nervous when you have a problem, before a test or when faced with a hard decision that needs to be made.

There are a variety anxiety disorders. Because they are mental disorders, the distress that comes with the condition can make it impossible for you to carry on with life normally. People who suffer from anxiety are constantly in fear and always worrying. This can be very overwhelming and disabling. Even so, one can get treatment for anxiety, which can help to suppress the symptoms and enable them to lead a healthy life.

Is Anxiety Hereditary?

The study that seeks to establish the role genetics play when it comes to anxiety is inconclusive. If you suffer from anxiety, there is a chance that you will notice symptoms of the condition in other family members.

Unlike physical traits that can be passed down through generations in every family, anxiety cannot necessarily be passed down. For this reason, if you're going through anxiety, it is possible for you to be the first person in your family to ever experience anxiety.

Anxiety is associated with a few other conditions like panic disorder, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety as well as generalized anxiety disorder.

So, is anxiety genetic? Since there is no clinical test that has confirmed this, it is safe to say that anxiety is not genetic. Even though it may appear in more than one person in a family, the conditions can be unrelated and caused by different life situations.

Types of Disorders Associated with Anxiety

Anxiety is a collective term associated with different conditions.

Panic disorder – this is a condition whereby terror strikes at random intervals. When you are having a panic attack, you can develop chest pains, experience palpitations, and sweat. In some cases, you may feel like you are experiencing a heart attack or choking.

Certain Phobias – this is characterized by an intense fear of situations or objects. While it is normal to have phobias, it can go far and beyond what is considered normal. Sometimes, it makes it hard for you to lead a normal life as you avoid situations that may present you with the need to face your fears.

General anxiety disorder – the person suffering experiences unrealistic worry over situations. Sometimes, they worry about situations that are only in their heads.

Symptoms of Anxiety

• Uneasiness, panic, and fear

• Problems with sleep

• Inability to remain calm and still

• Sweaty, cold, tingly and numb feet and hands

• Dry mouth

• Heart palpitations

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Tense muscles

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Chamomile

Is anxiety genetic? It could be, but you can use chamomile to help manage it. When you experience anxiety, taking a cup of chamomile tea can be calming. This is because chamomile tea contains healthy natural compounds that work to calm the part of the brain associated with panic and worry. It is possible to take chamomile as a supplement. According to a study, participants with anxiety were asked to drink chamomile tea for a period of 8 weeks. After this time, they recorded fewer episodes of panic attacks and a decrease in other symptoms linked to anxiety.

Green Tea

Green tea contains an amino acid known as L-theanine. It is linked to relaxation and alertness. According to science, Japanese monks take green tea and thus are able to meditate for hours because of this amino acid in green tea.

L-theanine is used in the management of hypertension and also reduces symptoms associated with anxiety. According to studies, users are able to focus better and also remain calm. 200 milligrams of L-theanine is recommended. You can get this much from green tea. Even so, you would need to take at least 5 cups of green tea every day.

Hops

This is a bitter herb used for its countless benefits. It is used as a sedative. The compound that gives it the sedating effect is a type of oil that is too volatile. Therefore, its extract or tincture is what is used.

Valerian

This is used as a sleep aid for people who have anxiety characterized by insomnia. It comes loaded with sedative compounds and is approved by several governments around the world to cure sleep problems.

Lemon Balm

This is a natural herb used for its stress-relieving effects. It works well to reduce anxiety and stress and also helps one to sleep.

Exercise

Exercise is safe for people with anxiety and is also healthy for the brain. It is a great antidote for depression too. People who exercise consistently have a higher self-esteem, less stress and feel healthier.

According to psychologists, one only has to exercise for 21 minutes each day to reduce anxiety.

Passionflower

This is also used as a sedative. It is known to reduce stress and anxiety and is as effective as prescription medicine for the same.

Lavender

Loved for its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is also very good for treating anxiety. When used in aromatherapy, patients record a reduction in stress levels and also show fewer symptoms linked to anxiety.

Breathing yoga

Is anxiety genetic and can it be managed with yoga? Yes. Practiced breathing as a form of exercise can also go a long way to relieve anxiety and stress. The 4-7-8 breathing technique can be done twice a day to relieve anxiety.

10. Proper Diet Planning

Generally, you get more irritable and anxious when hungry. Having an anxiety attack is also a good indication that your sugar levels are low. It is, therefore, important to ensure you practice proper eating habits to keep anxiety at bay.

11. Omega 3

Fish oil is very good for the heart and brain. It has properties that protect the brain from depression and anxiety.

12. Training Your Mind

Catastrophic thinking is one of the symptoms associated with anxiety. The mind thinks of horrible and unbearable situations triggered by a minor situation. It is important to train your mind not to over think. Catastrophic outcomes are very unlikely to come to pass. When you find your mind going into a panic, take a few breathes and think of happy thoughts.

13. Heating Up Muscles

Visiting a steam room or a sauna can go a long way in relaxing your muscles and brain and thus reducing anxiety.

14. Meditation

Meditating is a good way to relax the mind and escape reality for a few minutes. It is a very effective therapy for treating anxiety.